Throughout the years, Hulk has been featured in numerous Marvel projects, but not all of them have stood the test of time. As one of the most captivating superheroes in comic book history, Hulk embodies the duality reminiscent of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, continuously battling for dominance over the mind and body of Bruce Banner. Despite advancements in CGI enhancing the character’s visual portrayal, the adaptations, both in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and earlier films, have not been without their shortcomings.
Just like many other comic book heroes, translating certain aspects of Hulk’s character to the big screen remains a challenge. Characters such as The Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic serve as examples of heroes whose abilities can either seem underwhelming or difficult to manifest realistically. While the visual representation of Hulk as a gigantic green rage monster has improved, other issues have become increasingly pronounced since their debut.
10
Hulk’s Reluctance to Confront Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War
The absence of Hulk in Avengers: Infinity War was striking, particularly as the character faced a humiliating defeat by Thanos early on. While this plot twist served a narrative purpose, further revelations from the cast and crew have suggested alternate explanations for Hulk’s non-appearance during the pivotal battles in Wakanda. Notably, Mark Ruffalo, the actor portraying Banner, has provided insight into the decision-making process behind this narrative choice.
“It’s been amazing fun [being part of the MCU], and really challenging and always surprising, even to the point where we were shooting Infinity War, and Hulk was supposed to come busting out of the Hulkbuster [armor] at the end… the Russo Brothers realized that we couldn’t have Hulk save the day again, and we had to have Banner… lose. That was the kind of thing where it was in the script one way for two years, and then when we came to shoot it, we decided it would be better if Hulk didn’t show up.”
In a 2023 comic convention appearance reported by CBR, Ruffalo revealed that Hulk had originally been slated for a more critical role. However, the creators felt it would overshadow other heroes and portray Hulk as a mere “savior.”This moment marked the last opportunity for audiences to witness Hulk’s iconic heroism before transitioning to the more cerebral Smart Hulk in subsequent films.
9
Smart Hulk: A Notable Power Downgrade in the MCU
The emergence of Smart Hulk, teased long before the release of Avengers: Endgame, did not align with fans’ expectations. In the comics, the merger of Hulk and Banner typically preserves facets of both characters’ personalities. Conversely, the MCU’s Smart Hulk manifests more as a tranquil Dr. Banner inhabiting a powerful Hulk’s physique, losing much of the original character’s exuberance.
This portrayal diminishes the potential for explosive action; Banner’s calm demeanor limits the barbaric power of the Hulk. A notable instance occurs when he tries to replicate the Hulk’s might during a time travel mission, resulting in a lackluster and comedic performance. Even in *She-Hulk: Attorney at Law*, his strength only emerges in moments of jealousy, leaving the audience yearning for a more profound showcase of Smart Hulk’s capabilities.
8
Hulk’s Size Issues in Hulk (2003)
In going back to the early adaptations, the 2003 film *Hulk*, directed by Ang Lee and featuring Eric Bana, reveals significant flaws in portraying the character’s powers and size. Although this version presented an impressively intimidating Hulk, inconsistencies regarding his scale and strength throughout the film hindered viewer immersion. There are scenes where Hulk dramatically towers over skyscrapers, and others where he appears only marginally larger than average humans, leading to audience confusion.
Critics focused heavily on these inconsistencies, calling into question the film’s internal logic. While the character has the potential to grow stronger through various means, there lacked coherent rules governing his size in the film. Despite these shortcomings, the portrayal remains one of the most powerful interpretations of Hulk ever presented on screen.
7
“Don’t Make Me Hungry”
In the 2008 adaptation of *The Incredible Hulk*, Edward Norton stars as Bruce Banner, significantly differing from subsequent portrayals. However, some elements of the film do not hold up well. One particular moment occurs when Banner, while hiding in South America, clumsily warns bullies in broken Spanish, “Don’t make me hungry.”This portrayal of the character undermines Bruce Banner’s brilliance as a genius, leading to a comedic yet undermining moment.
6
The Romance Between Black Widow and Hulk in the MCU
Changes to Hulk’s character weaved him seamlessly into the MCU, presenting a more composed Bruce Banner than his 2008 counterpart. This version has a higher degree of emotional stability, allowing for a semblance of normalcy in his life. When Nick Fury assembles the Avengers to combat Loki, Black Widow’s recruitment of Banner hints at a deeper connection, though the narrative sidesteps this potential romantic subplot.
Black Widow’s tragic sacrifice put an abrupt end to any chance of further exploring this romance. With limited development, the subplot felt like a missed opportunity for substantial storytelling, leaving fans wishing for more.
5
The MCU’s Long Oversight of Betty Ross
An even larger issue rests in the MCU’s failure to revisit Bruce Banner’s first love, Betty Ross, portrayed by Liv Tyler. After Norton’s exit and General Ross’s reappearance in *Captain America: Civil War*, Betty’s absence has gone unexplained for over a decade. Despite their strong connection in the 2008 film, the lack of her character’s continuity raises questions, particularly given the emotional narrative established between them.
While there has been recent confirmation of Betty’s return in *Captain America: Brave New World*, further details remain scarce. The evident neglect of her character throughout the MCU perpetuates uncertainty regarding any potential reunion with Banner, leaving fans speculating about the character’s significance moving forward.
4
The Controversial Name Change in The Incredible Hulk TV Show
One of the more peculiar decisions in the adaptation history of Hulk stems from the 1977-1982 series *The Incredible Hulk*. The show set itself apart with innovative storytelling, despite limited technology for depicting Hulk’s monstrous form. Yet, a strange decision involved changing Bruce Banner’s name to David, as CBS executives deemed “Bruce”too controversial. This decision remains offensive and puzzling, overshadowing the show’s progressive accomplishments.
3
Hulk’s Diminishing Power in Recent Appearances
Examining Hulk’s portrayal in films reveals a concerning trend: the character’s power levels seem to diminish with each appearance. In the 2003 film, Hulk demonstrated impressive physical feats, including leaping across vast distances and overpowering helicopters. Fast forward to 2008, where he showcased his strength against the Abomination and military forces, yet with considerably reduced scale.
The portrayal of Hulk in *The Avengers* positioned him as a formidable force, outmatching even a god. Sadly, in *Infinity War*, Hulk faced defeat at the hands of Thanos and later, as Smart Hulk, exhibited drastically less power than earlier iterations. This trend highlights a narrative issue where Hulk’s abilities are underutilized and underpowered in contemporary adaptations.
2
Hulk’s Sulk Over She-Hulk’s Rapid Power Mastery
In his latest MCU appearance, Hulk’s blood inadvertently gives his cousin, Jennifer Walters, her She-Hulk powers. As she seeks guidance from Bruce, who has spent years grappling with and managing his own powers, his frustration becomes apparent when Jen adapts so quickly.
While a comedic portrayal of this scenario exists, it undermines Banner’s long journey of personal growth and control over his emotions. Bruce’s sulking serves to dilute the earlier narrative of struggle and progress, trivializing his significant efforts in mastering the Hulk persona.
1
A Deficiency of Backstory for Hulk in the MCU
Lastly, one of the major criticisms of Hulk’s character in the MCU is the absence of a well-developed backstory. While *The Incredible Hulk* tried to establish some groundwork, it often feels disconnected from the broader MCU narrative, raising questions about continuity and canonicity. The film glossed over critical elements of Bruce Banner’s life, focusing instead on a version already familiar with his powers.
In the comics, the complexities of Banner’s past, including traumatic elements related to his father’s abuse, contribute depth to his character. Unfortunately, the MCU fails to delve into this history, leading to a shallow portrayal. With the introduction of new characters, such as Banner’s son Skaar, the need for a solo Hulk film grows more essential to fully explore his backstory and dynamics in the ever-expanding Marvel Universe.
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